Taking into consideration the nationwide discussion surrounding football safety and concussions, there seems to be a growing contingent that is opposed to youth athletes participating in tackle football. It should come as no surprise when you see some athletes (even former combat athletes and coaches) who love watching football, condemn people who allow their children to play tackle or pop-warner football. And even though there is credible evidence to support an aversion to football, youth sports accidents and injuries  occur in all sports. From figure skaters to football players, major surgery can result from participation in athletic endeavors.

Now, I’m not going to site too many statistics because, much of the information out there makes no delineation between a serious injury (life altering and requiring surgery) and a minor injury (one that will heal and become a mere memory). However, many sports that people consider more safe than football have lead to some serious medical situations. For example, according to the NY Times in an article written by By DANIEL KRIEGER and NORIKO NORICA-PANAYOTA KITANO APRIL 17, 2013. over the last 30 years 118 children have died in Japan while participating in Judo, under (public) school supervision. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/sports/japan-confronts-hazards-of-judo.html?_r=0) But, this article should not alarm anyone for injury is and always has been the nature of sports.

And before you turn your attention away from Judo and onto youth football and it’s issue with concussions, there are other youth sports with high rates of concussion. Among these sports are: cheerleading, ice hockey, judo, wrestling and gymnastics. Furthermore, concussions aren’t the only life altering injuries that one could receive. I personally know a woman who spent her childhood doing figure skating. As an adult she stopped participating and continued to coach. Well, she recently had a hip replacement as a result of a childhood filled with ice-skating. Moreover, in Northern California there children getting ACL/MCL surgeries as a result of participating in youth soccer. Sadly enough, the majority of these kids will develop osteo-arthritis and will be affected by this injury permanently.

In short, the only way to keep your child safe while he (or she) participates in any youth sports is to be observant and listen to your child. Do not ignore complaints of pain or headaches. You should also be proactive with regard to their safety. If they are hurt and on the sidelines, take them to see a doctor. If they have any concerns you really should not hesitate to take your child out for a few games, maybe even the season. Furthermore, the absolute a good way to protect your child from injury is exercise, and resistance training should always be an integral part of any training program.

Until next time …

 

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